Santissimo Salvatore, Catholic church in central Bologna, Italy
Santissimo Salvatore is a church in central Bologna built during the early to mid-17th century with an elongated layout featuring eight side chapels. The interior displays marble decorations and religious sculptures arranged along the walls.
The church was constructed in the early 17th century under architect Giovanni Ambrogio Mazenta on a site where a 12th-century structure previously stood. The older bell tower was preserved and integrated into the new construction.
The name refers to the salvation of Christ, a core theme that shaped the religious art displayed throughout the interior. Visitors encounter numerous religious sculptures and paintings on the walls that reflect how people in Bologna understood spirituality during that era.
Access to the church is restricted to scheduled guided tours in order to protect its valuable historical features and architectural details. Visitors should check what tours are available before planning a visit.
A lightning strike in 1758 caused damage that prompted extensive renovations with new structural reinforcements and decorative elements. These later additions remain visible and shaped how the interior looks today.
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